Workers Comp Insurance is Refusing to Follow Court Ruling

Connie D. · #1 06-13-2005, 11:08 AM

Hello, I am hoping that someone can help me. I live in NJ. The WC Ins. Co. Has been withholding my temporary disability payments since March. Court ordered them to pay within one week. Still have not recvd. the check three weeks later. My lawyer was paid by them, but not me. The ins. co. has also told the doctors to put me back to work - once, they called a doctor which they un-authorized and told him to call me in a put me back to work. If he did that, they would 'consider' authorizing payment for that visit. Then un-authorized him again stating he was taking too long in operating (btw the surgery was going to take place tomorrow 6/14). I was sent to a new doctor and he also put me out of work. The insurance co. called him up and told him to change it, which he did. My lawyer is very very lax and I have tried to change lawyers, but to no avail. No one wants to take the case. I've been fighting with these people since the beginning of this year. My pain is severe and I have been living on pain meds since. I can't take these people any more. Can anyone offer me some sound advice?

Thank you in advance, Connie

aaron · #2 06-13-2005, 01:14 PM

If the court ordered payment within a week, perhaps your lawyer can initiate contempt proceedings on the basis of the non-payment.

Connie D. · #3 06-13-2005, 02:50 PM

Dear Aaron,
Can the insurance company also "legally" direct the doctor to change his opinions simply because they want me to get so tired of fighting that I will drop the case?

aaron · #4 06-13-2005, 02:54 PM

If you believe that the insurance company is coercing the doctor to change his opinion, based upon their desire to cut you off and despite the doctor's actual medical findings, you should have your situation reviewed by a workers' compensation lawyer.

Connie D. · #5 06-13-2005, 02:58 PM

Dear Aaron,

Thank you for your quick response. My WC Lawyer isn't very good at all. That is why I went looking for another WC Laywer. I guess it's a tight knit community in this area and no one wants to 'interfere' with this lawyer. Can my lawyer present the problem with the interference along with the contempt of court situation?

aaron · #6 06-13-2005, 03:48 PM

The remedies for a problematic worker's comp doctor are something you should discuss with your lawyer. Whether or not it is something you can presently take to court is not something I can assess from available information.

outtopasture · #7 03-22-2007, 07:38 AM

ok .I'm new at this site. my hubby has simular problem as you but hes going on 2 going on 3 years of fighting ..comp doesnt want to pay or approve medical and attorney is lax. they are (atttorney) like that because the max they get in settlement is 12,000. regardless of total. heres a number to call cause if the comp ins have really been doing as you stated there are fines and investigations 1,000-5,000 per offense. omsbudmen/specialist on workers injury board they say they will help in this sort of situation. 1-800-554-8601.
I'm in kentucky so you may be given another number to call by them. the over see the employer and make sure each one follows laws..good luck...hope this helps..